"finding adoptive homes for children"
The Programs & Process

What is Adoption

Adoption, unlike foster care, is a permanent way to form a family. It is a social and legal process that creates a new family, giving adopted children the same rights and benefits as those who are born into a family. Adoption requires an unconditional commitment by parents to meet the physical, emotional, medical, psychological and social needs of a child that has joined their family through adoption.

The Requirements

The Approval Process
First, one must have the willingness and desire to open their heart and home to care for a child in need of Adoption. The adoption process requires DFCS to conduct a thorough assessment on prospective families. Prospective adoptive parents do not have the be rich, but should be able to meet their own basic financial needs. A prospective parent can be single or married and may rent or own their home. In addition, they must meet the following requirements: ·
  • If single a prospective parent should be at least 25 years of age to adopt and must be at least 10 years older than the child they adopt
  • Criminal records check
  • Home safety checks
  • Medical examination
  • References
  • Drug screen
  • Georgia Drivers License
  • Completion of a 2 hour orientation and a 20 hour pre-service training program
  • Completion of a home evaluation
  • Proof of citizenship or permanent residence status
During orientation, details regarding the requirements to adopt are discussed. Families will also receive additional information on the adoption program as well as the approval process. The 20-hour pre-service training is called IMPACT, which is an acronym for Interest, Mutual Selection, Pre-Service Training, Assessment, Continuing Development and Teamwork. During IMPACT training, families are provided information on numerous topics to assist them in understanding DFCS’ role in working with birth families, the roles and responsibilities of foster and/or adoptive parents, and the impact of abuse and neglect on children. The process also requires prospective families to assess the impact that adopting may have on their families. The approval process is one of mutual decision. Home evaluations are completed on all prospective foster and adoptive families. This evaluation includes documentation that the family meets all the requirements and demonstrates the commitment, skills and abilities to parent a child(ren) with special needs. . During this process the case manager will make at least two home visits to gather additional information and to assess the home for safety requirements.
See Next Steps section for information on How to begin the Orientation and Pre-Service Training Program.